All posts tagged auto theft

How To Protect Your Car From Auto Theft – Prevention Tips & Features Explained

auto theft

Auto theft is an ever-present crime that has been plaguing society since the invention of cars. With the introduction of modern technology, automakers are doing their part to reduce auto theft by introducing preventive features into their vehicles.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of those features and how they can help keep your car safe from thieves. Let’s start with auto theft statistics.

Auto Theft Statistics

Auto theft is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world each year. Auto theft is a serious crime that can have a significant impact on victims.

In 2022, over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States, a 7% increase from the previous year. California and Texas had the most reported stolen vehicles, and Illinois had the largest increase, estimated at 35 percent.

Additional Resources

  • National Insurance Crime Bureau: https://www.nicb.org/
  • Insurance Information Institute: https://www.iii.org/
  • ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/

There are a number of factors that contribute to auto theft, including:

  • Easy access to vehicles:
    Many vehicles are left unlocked or with the keys inside, making them easy targets for thieves.
  • Theft of parts and accessories:
    Thieves often steal parts and accessories from vehicles, such as wheels, tires, and radios.
  • Organized crime:
    Some auto theft is carried out by organized crime rings, who steal vehicles to sell for parts or to export.

While all types of vehicles can be stolen, certain cars are more likely to be targeted by thieves than others. Knowing which cars are most often stolen can help you take extra precautions to protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of auto theft.

Which Cars Are Most Stolen?

It is estimated that over 700,000 vehicles are stolen each year. While any car can be stolen, some models are more likely to be targeted by thieves than others.

The most stolen cars in the United States are:

  • 2004 full-size Chevrolet pick-up
  • 2006 full-size Ford pick-up
  • 2000 Honda Civic
  • 1997 Honda Accord
  • 2019 Toyota Camry
  • 2020 Nissan Altima
  • 2005 GMC full-size pick-up
  • 2020 Toyota Corolla
  • 2000 Honda CR-V

There are a few reasons why these cars are more likely to be stolen than others. First, they are popular models, which means there are more of them on the road.

Second, they are relatively easy to steal, often because they lack modern anti-theft technology. Third, they are valuable, which makes them a target for thieves who want to sell them for scrap or parts.

In addition to the cars listed above, there are a few other models that are also commonly stolen. These include:

  • Toyota Corolla
  • Honda Accord
  • Nissan Altima
  • Ford F-150
  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • Dodge Ram
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Kia Optima

If you own one of these cars, it’s important to take steps to protect it from theft. These steps include:

  • Installing a security system
  • Keeping your car locked
  • Parking in a well-lit area
  • Not leaving valuables in your car

By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of your car being stolen.

Sources: https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/most-stolen-cars

Anti-Theft Technology

Many automakers have implemented anti-theft technology in order to deter potential criminals from stealing cars. These systems typically include immobilizers which prevent the engine from starting unless a unique code or key fob is used, as well as alarm systems that sound if someone attempts to break into your vehicle.

These are just a few of the technologies that are being used to prevent auto theft. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to keep our cars safe.

Here are some additional details about each of these technologies:

  • Passive Immobilizers:

    These devices are typically installed in the car’s ignition system and prevent the car from starting unless the correct key is present. The key contains a chip that sends a signal to the immobilizer, which allows the car to start. If the wrong key is used, the immobilizer will prevent the car from starting.

  • Remote Start:

    This feature allows the car to be started remotely using a key fob or smartphone app. This can be useful in cold weather or if the car is parked in a remote location.

    However, it is important to note that remote start can also make it easier for thieves to steal a car. If a thief is able to get the key fob or access the smartphone app, they can start the car and drive away without having to break into the car.

  • GPS Tracking:

    This feature allows the car to be tracked if it is stolen. The GPS tracker is typically installed in the car’s computer system and sends its location to a central server. This information can then be used by law enforcement to track down the stolen car.

  • LoJack:

    This is a tracking system that uses radio signals to track the car. The LoJack transmitter is typically hidden in the car and sends out a signal that can be picked up by law enforcement. This allows law enforcement to track down the stolen car even if the thief has disabled the car’s GPS system.

  • Smartphone Apps:

    Some cars come with smartphone apps that allow owners to lock and unlock the car, track its location, and set security alerts. These apps can be useful for keeping track of the car and deterring theft.

  • Biometric Authentication:

    This uses fingerprints, facial recognition, or voiceprints to identify the driver and prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. This technology is becoming increasingly common in cars, as it is a more secure way to authenticate the driver than a traditional key.

  • Window Etching:

    This involves etching the car’s VIN number into the windows, making it more difficult for thieves to sell the car. The VIN number is a unique identifier for the car, and it is difficult to remove the etching. This makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the car, as they would need to replace the windows.

  • Security Cameras:

    These can be installed in the car or in the garage to deter theft and help identify thieves. Security cameras can record video of the car and its surroundings, which can be used to identify thieves and help law enforcement recover the stolen car.

Car Lockouts

Car lockouts occur when people accidentally leave their keys inside the car and cannot get back in without breaking a window or door handle – both costly repairs!

To avoid these situations, many new cars now come equipped with remote entry systems, where you can unlock your doors using just a simple button on your keychain.

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks are a physical deterrent against car theft, making it nearly impossible for criminals to get away with your vehicle. Many automakers now offer steering wheel locks as an optional feature, and they can be bought relatively inexpensively from most auto parts stores.

Conclusion

Overall, there have been a number of advances in automotive security technology over the past few years that can help you protect your vehicle from thieves. By taking advantage of these features, you can rest assured knowing that your car will remain safe and secure no matter where you go.

image credit: envato.com

Six steps to preventing car theft

As a car owner, it is vital that you be conscious of areas that abound in crime. If you leave your car in a parking lot overnight, your car could be subject to theft and other crimes. You should make efforts to remain aware of the risks that you face in regards to car theft. Here are some tips that you should follow to avoid car theft in the future.

1. Always lock your car.

First, you should always make sure that you lock your car. You never know if a thieve is watching your area and waiting to prey on the car of a forgetful owner. The minute you walk away from an unlocked car, you give thieves the power to seize on your belongings or even steal your car.

2. Never leave valuable items in your car unattended or for long periods of time.

If you have valuable items in your car, this makes your car an attractive target for thieves. Thieves will want to try to gain access to your car to steal a designer handbag, expensive GPS system, shopping bags or other valuable items that you leave in the car.

3. Make sure that you have car theft insurance.

Investing in a car theft insurance policy is always smart. Sometimes, even the most cautious owner is subject to auto theft. The experience can be very unpleasant, but a car theft insurance policy will repay you for any lost or stolen items.

4. Never leave your windows open.

Leaving your windows open also makes your car a target for thieves. Thieves will view your vehicle as one in which they can easily access valuable items. Make sure that you always take the time to roll up your windows and protect your vehicle from potential thieves.

5. Use a vehicle immobilizer system.

A vehicle immobilizer system will prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car. A vehicle mobilizer system will protect your car from scrupulous thieves. There are also transponder keys that when there is a problem the car will not start until it has the right signal has been giving to the transponder chip within the key.

6. Don’t park in dangerous areas of unlit parking spots.

Always trust your gut. If you are in an area that feels uncomfortable or dangerous, then don’t leave your car there. Avoid driving in areas that have a reputation for being high-crime areas.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you do not have to face car theft in the future. Preventing a car theft simply requires an awareness of your surroundings and ability to adhere to these easy safety tips. A few minutes of double-checking to see if your doors are locked could protect you from a theft that costs you thousands of dollars.

Informational credit to:
LockSmithPetalumaCA.com – bringing you and your family everything from transponder keys to a key less entry

Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

A car is often one of the largest investments that a person makes. With an estimated 700,000 vehicles reported stolen in the United States each year, however, the possibility is always there that your car could be next. Still, most vehicle thefts happen to people who are not as careful as they should be with their cars, so as long as you are taking the proper precautions, you should never have to experience that awful pang of panic when you realize that your car is not where you last parked it.

Buy a Car with an Alarm System

Most vehicles these days come with built-in security systems. Even if yours does not, it is more than likely worth it to have one installed by the dealer or from a private company for an additional charge. Not only can an anti-theft system deter would-be thieves from coming near your vehicle in the first place, but cars with these devices in place typically cost less to insure as well. In this sense, the cost of your car’s security system could essentially pay for itself through insurance savings.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Whether you are at home or in public, you should always be sure to park your car in a well-lit area. For example, if in a supermarket parking lot, make an effort to park directly below a working light pole. Thieves prefer to do their dirty work in the dark because they are less likely to be seen and caught that way, so they will likely not bother even attempting to break into a car parked directly under a bright light source.

Install a Home Security System

Parking your car in a garage can be a great way to keep it safe, but what if your garage gets broken into? This is more common than you might think. In addition to home security reasons, it is never a bad idea to invest in a security/alarm system at your home. This way, if a sensor is tripped on your garage door or at any other point of entry at your home, you can immediately have an alarm sounded and authorities dispatched to your property.

Keep Track of Your Keys

People usually think about thieves stealing cars by breaking windows and hot wiring the car, but there is an easier way. Stealing a car by stealing car keys is much easier. Make sure your keys are kept in a safe place. When out and about keep them in your pocket. When at home don’t be tempted to leave your keys next to your door. This makes it too easy for a thief to take the keys without having to step in the house.

Don’t Valet Park

It’s tempting to use the class and convenience of valet parking, but it may be wise to think twice.  Valet parking attendants are usually you and have not had much time behind the wheel. This can lead to accidents, dings, and scrapes.  To keep your car in pristine condition it may be best not to hand the keys over to a stranger.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your car from thieves and vandals, so be sure to follow the above tips.

12 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft

According to the FBI, a car is stolen every 23 seconds in the United States. In the city of Los Angeles, about 30,000 cars are ripped off each year, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all property crimes. You can avoid becoming part of the statistical carnage by employing both commonsense and forward-thinking anti-theft strategies. Read on and we will look at 12 ways that you can keep your car out of the hands of thieves.

1. Just lock it. Always lock your car. Turn your car off, remove the keys and lock the doors. Activate the alarm system if you have one.

2. Park in public, well-lit areas. Certainly, your car can get stolen in broad daylight. But, why make it easy on thieves by parking it in a dark, obscure place that invites a theft? The more local movement, the less likely thieves will feel comfortable about taking your car.

3. Employ driveway sense. A trick of thieves is to pull up in a tow truck and hitch your car for a quick getaway. You can thwart crooks by backing your rear-wheel-drive car into your driveway and positioning your front-wheel-drive face in. Engage your parking brake too.

4. Turn on your alarm. If you have an alarm system, turn it on when you are parked. Use it or risk losing it…your car, that is.

5. Install a hood lock. Thieves can quickly disengage your alarm by popping the hood and disconnecting the battery. You can thwart this attempt by installing a separate dead bolt hood lock.

6. Know your vehicle’s popularity. Just because your car is old does not mean that it any less attractive to thieves. The 1994 Honda Accord and the 1998 Honda Civic are the two top most stolen cars in the country reports the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Older versions of Ford’s F-150 truck and the Toyota Camry are also popular targets for their parts.

7. Use vehicle tracking. Buy a new car and there is a greater likelihood that it will come equipped with a vehicle tracking device. GM’s OnStar is one such system and its current packages include "stolen vehicle slowdown" for easier law enforcement apprehension.

8. Take your belongings with you. Okay, maybe thieves don’t want your car. But, those Christmas packages or other goodies you have left in your car are certainly appealing. A smashed window and a quick grab and snatch is all that it takes to rip off your belongings, so take these prized possessions with you.

9. Your hidden keys. How smart of you to hide a key underneath your car! After all, this is a practice that thieves would never consider. Unfortunately, to steal a car, thieves may feel underneath your bumpers, your wheel wells and other exposed area to find a key. Don’t make it easy for them — never hide a key!

10. Stow your title. In your glove box is your car’s registration and insurance papers. What shouldn’t be found is your title. Making your title available to thieves is an invitation to disaster — your vehicle can be stolen and quickly retitled as an unsuspecting party buys your car.

11. Disable your car. If you will be away from your car for extended time such as catching a flight and parking it at the airport, thieves will be on the lookout for your vehicle. Make it difficult for them to jump in and start your car by disabling it, removing the ignition fuse or coil wire. You may not be able to get these items through airport security, so stash them in the trunk underneath your spare tire.

12. VIN etching and engraving. You can thwart thieves by having your vehicle identification number or VIN etched to your car windows in plain sight. Also consider engraving important parts with your VIN, to make it less likely that thieves will want to disassemble your car for the value of its separate parts.

Theft Prevention Tips

There are other ways you can make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. You can install a steering wheel lock, a kill switch and a floorboard lock, the latter making it impossible for thieves to use your accelerator. Consider installing multiple devices if you plan to leave your car unattended for a stretch of time or if you live or are visiting a car theft prone area.

Author Information
Keith Winters is a professional blogger that enjoys providing consumers with automotive advice. He writes for Butty Buddy, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle seats.